Ford signs three-year deal to become next Ireland coach

Graham Ford has signed a three-year deal to become the next head coach of the Ireland national side, Cricket Ireland confirmed on Friday (September 8). Ford will take over from current coach John Bracewell, when his contract expires in December this year.

Ford has a rich coaching experience in the international arena, having worked with South Africa from 1999 to 2002 and Sri Lanka in 2012 for a couple of years and again in 2016 for the second time, before quitting the post recently in June. In the domestic circuit, he has enjoyed stints with Dolphins and Surrey and served as the director of cricket at Kent in 2005.

"I am really excited to be a part of this new era in Irish cricket," Ford said. "I have always enjoyed working with decent people and, in their attitude, character and camaraderie, the Irish cricketers have always come across as such. With my knowledge and experience I believe I can genuinely make a difference. All my efforts will be dedicated to assisting the players to improve and achieve their full potential while playing an enjoyable brand of cricket."

Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland Performance Director, pointed out that Ford's reputation and work ethic convinced the panel to appoint him for the top job. "Graham's reputation for improving young players, his work ethic and huge knowledge were among the key factors for his appointment," Holdsworth said following the appointment. "The panel was strongly persuaded by Graham's clear understanding of what the Ireland team and Irish cricket in general needs right now, while he is already familiar with some of our players through his coaching spells at Kent and Surrey.

"In the short term, his expertise in the shorter forms of the game will also be vital as we build towards two major ICC events over the next three years - including the ICC World Cup Qualifier in the first half of 2018 - while longer term he is aiming to strengthen the national team in its rebuilding process from a core of long-established players to a younger less experienced team."